Overview

• On June 30, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially released model rules to streamline tree felling on agricultural land.
• The rules require farmers to register agroforestry plantations on the forthcoming National Timber Management System portal before applying for harvest permits.
• Designated verifying agencies will inspect registered sites and Divisional Forest Officers will supervise permit issuance and ongoing compliance.
• By reducing procedural hurdles, the framework aims to boost rural incomes, expand domestic timber supply and support wood-based industries.
• States and union territories have been asked to adopt the model rules under relevant laws to initiate implementation.